Tehran.

After Team Melli first phase camp was completed today in Azadi Sport complex, the squad is preparing itself to fly to Muscat Oman , for the friendly game against Oman National Team. In addition to the training camp in Tehran , the preparation program for the important encounters in June in the quest for qualification to the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 ,  includes a match against Oman , set up of camp in Dubai , UAE and an additional  friendly during this camp before flying to Qatar for the match. On this occasion, Carlos Queiroz gave an update on the status of the team and the players.

“We have successfully  completed the first phase of the training camp. I am quite satisfied with the work carried out and I can say with confidence that the players who took part in this camp were the best available players (…) who have worked very well and are ready to fight for their country.”

He also said that ” there is no injury to report as all players are in a fine condition, however , we will not be taking Mohammad Reza Khalatbary with us to Oman. This player needs rest and we have decided to give him the rest he requires. In the second phase , I hope that we get all of our players in the camp”

Queiroz added “ I am sure you observed the commitment of all the players in this camp. Their work ethics and discipline was exemplary and I am proud of that. I believe that I will be successful with this squad.”

 Asked about the latest status with the friendly match against Iraq, he responded by saying that “we are doing our utmost best to have a friendly game before the match against Qatar. This match will definitely be held in Dubai and behind closed doors (…). This was not our choice , but that is the reality we are faced with.  The federation tried its best but for sure the match will be held in Dubai behind closed doors.”

In regard to Mansourian, Queiroz said that  “Alireza Mansourian is the coach of the U22 team and he is part of the Team Melli technical team. He is here in the camp to learn. One of my duties here in Iran is also educational and preparing national cadres of coaches for Team Melli. Mansourian , like Markar Aghajanian are part of this team and I do hope that both become successful coaches in the near future.”

Team Melli coach also commented on the status of the Team’s jersey. He has previously complained about the quality of the uniforms and jerseys provided by uhlsport.  The  German sports goods manufacturer is the supplier of  a Team Melli full range of equipment and sportswear. Queiroz said ” if the supplier fails to honor its contractual obligation , like it has done several teams previously , then we have an alternative solution.  I promise you that whatever happens , we will show up in the proper kit in white color against Qatar.”

On the injury of Reza Ghoochanejad while playing a match in the Belgian League, Queiroz said that it was a pulled muscle and nothing too serious to get concerned about. He also said that Ando Teymourian is recovering from his injury in Qatar and already started training. Queiroz is hopeful to have Ando in the camp by the 27^th of May.

Carlos Queiroz closed the chapter of the two ex-Team Melli players , Hadi Aghili and Mehdi Rahmati and the saga of their return to the team by announcing that that “As far as I am concerned, these two players will never be invited to Team Melli as long as I am at the helm of the team.”

Both players have abandoned Team Melli camps for reasons that are only known to themselves. Their unprofessional acts was deemed as an act of desertion and swiftly dealt with by Carlos Queiroz.  However, as it is customary in Iran’s football, there will always be someone or somebody who would try to act as mediatory peace maker and try to influence the proceedings to return offenders back to their teams.  Such moves are very common in Iranian clubs and usually with a bouquet of flower and few kisses on the cheeks; the matter is resolved between the coach and the player concerned, that simple.

Lately, there has been quotes and pressure exerted by IRIFF officials namely the President  Ali Kaffashian and the secretary general Mehdi Mohammad Nabi , for the reinstatement of these two renegade players who have abandoned the team. Aghili left Team Melli  camp on the eve of a match without as much as informing the administrators, while Rahmati unlilaterlay announced his retirment from the team.

Grudgingly , Queiroz accepted that if these two players truly regretted their misdemeanor, he is willing to forgive them if they officially apologized to the their teammates, Team Melli supports, the federation and the coaching staff. Such apology must be in writing and publically announced.

Today , Monday 20^th May 2013, after the completion of Team Melli camp , Queiroz and the IRIFF officials had a meeting regarding the two players. The Portuguese coach gave the following announcement  to the media:

“This is my final statement about these two players.  I kindly request all of you to accurately reflect what I say. Recently , there has been much talks and rumors about the fate of Aghili and Rahmati. There were comments about the two players repenting and apologizing. In the spirit of reconciliation and Team Melli interest . we have given these two players an opportunity to redeem themselves and do the correct thing by submitting letters of apology if they really believed that they have committed errors of judgment. We were transparent about the matter and no other stings were attached. We  gave them a chance up 5 PM yesterday. No written apology came and hence this is the end of this episode with these two players.”

Carlos Queiroz then proceeded on talking about his current squad. He said that he is totally satisfied with these players who are at the service of the team and are well prepared for the crucial encounter with Qatar. “ It is these players that I want to focus on and work with. These are the troops who deserve respect and admiration for their commitment to the national team”. Queiroz added

 “ I want real players with full commitments to the team. I need brave players who will fight for the team , regardless to what post they are given.  We need players who are like soldiers that never abandon their team and never put pre-conditions for being team members . I am quite proud with my current players and it gives me a pleasure working with them.”